Dystopia: an alternative world/idea where the typical norm isn’t sustained and a rather unconventional lifestyle thrives despite its initial negative outlook.
I have formulated this definition of dystopia because the original idea of a dystopian setting is depicted with a negative connotation which can be seen as an overstatement. A dystopia can become a canvas for experimentation which will increase the exploration of worlds that were once seemingly not ideal. In this sense, dystopia is not inherently negative but serves as a catalyst for diversity, innovation, and the reevaluation of societal paradigms. By deviating from established norms, a dystopia in this context encourages the emergence of new perspectives, lifestyles, and ways of thinking that may not have flourished in more conventional societal structures. Dystopian narratives often serve as a reflection on contemporary issues, warning against potential negative trajectories. Authors and creators use these imagined worlds to explore the consequences of unchecked power, societal conformity, and the erosion of individual liberties. A well-known example of dystopian literature was from Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.”